Tuesday, January 08, 2013

my new favorite: stamping

I have a new obsession....stamping!

I've always owned a large collection of stamps - both wood mounted and acrylic.
But even though I loved stamps and enjoyed purchasing them....I barely used them.
I tried a few times to get the hang of stamping but didn't really understand the different inks or how to get a crisp image.

The best thing that came from my teaching at Michaels was a confidence in my ability to stamp.
Most of my classes centered around stamping so classroom supplies could be shared.
I also learned all about the types of inks out there and which ones work best for which stamps.
While teaching there, I began to see that I really could get the hang of stamping!

Recently, while prepping my Christmas cards class, I stamped so many images so many times that it became second nature.
Now I feel pretty confident in my stamping abilities and I'm quite proud of myself for it!

Today, I stamped a sentiment repeatedly for a class I'm prepping and I got a crisp image each time. It still kind of shocks me!

For me, getting a great stamped image involves:
a) choosing the right ink
b) stamping a test image to determine the pressure needed
c) stamping on a piece of paper that is easily replaceable - i.e.: not directly on the card
d) inking the stamp very well
e) applying even but firm pressure

So is stamping something you'd like to hear more about?
Do you stamp on a regular basis? If you don't, what holds you back from really getting into stamping?

Let me know! I'm thinking of doing a video or two to share my newfound love of stamping!

Great tips Tracie! Yes, I LOVE stamping and find that the things you shared are the key elements to having confidence in getting a good image. I also would add using a cheap mouse pad under my paper is the best "stamp accessory" I have ever purchased...I keep a stack of them to take to classes with me because I would be nervous without them.

I was so very inspired by your Christmas Card class - and all the cool ways you incorporated stamping - I think it would be a GREAT series of blog posts if you covered some of those ideas and your design guidelines when using stamps on cards...you are BRILLIANT I tell you....BRILLIANT!

about me

Hand Lettering Artist, Certified Scrapbook Instructor and Host of Live Inspired and The Scrap Gals podcasts. I am passionate about the art of memory keeping and storytelling. I love beautiful photographs, the smell of paper in the morning, pink roses, farmhouses, hymns, making new friends and everything artsy.